OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

The angle of clearance in microtomy is specifically related to the interaction between the block face, which holds the tissue sample, and the bevel of the microtome knife used to make thin sections for microscopic examination. This angle is crucial because it influences how smoothly the knife can cut through the sample, affecting the quality of the tissue sections produced. When the angle is appropriate, it allows for optimized cutting, reducing the risk of tearing the tissue and resulting in nicely preserved samples for histological analysis. Therefore, understanding that the angle of clearance is defined by the relationship between the block face and the bevel of the knife correctly aligns with the principles of microtomy and is essential for achieving the best outcomes in tissue sectioning.